Tweet

() Comments

Report

On 12/06/15, Robert wrote:
> I am thinking about giving Notice of Resignation to my
district. I
> understand Ed Code 44420. I am pretty sure the district
can easily find a
> replacement since it is one of the highest paying
district in the county.
> I feel I have "Just Cause." The school does not enforce
it's Tardy or Late
> Policies and rarely expels repeat offenders. I have
several students who
> have been suspended multiple times and referred by all
their teachers
> constantly. I am literally sick of teaching several of
these classes where
> these same students know there are no consequences to
their terrible
> behavior other than going home for a few days.
> Question: as a temporary certificated teacher, how much
notice should I
> give?
> Question: what constitutes "Just Cause"
> Your input will be greatly appreciated.

I feel confident that this will NOT be considered just
cause to resign your contract. You disagree with their
handling of a particular discipline matter. You don't like
that students come in late. Well: Welcome to Education!
If teachers were allowed to resign because they disagree
with grading, attendance, or discipline procedures of
schools, then every teacher in the country would be able to
resign.

Just Cause would fall in the range of someone being
discriminated against because they fall in a protected
class, facing an unsafe situation (an occasional school
fight or mouthy students doesn't reach that level), or
illegal harassment by administration. Harassment, from a
legal standpoint, is not being treated like you're
worthless or incompetent by the way, but falls in a very
narrow definition to be considered illegal workplace
harassment.

You couldn't even claim "just cause" if they give you the
worst room in the building with the worst kids while others
get plush schedules. It's discrimination, but not illegal
discrimination.

My guess is that because you're a temporary or intern
teacher, that this is your first year teaching? And...,
you might not be cut out for teaching, in public schools at
least, if something like this makes you ready to quit.

That said, you have no right to unilaterally quit without
the district having the option to suspend your license and
record said license action against your credential record.
Whether they will take said action is up to them. If you
have a credential suspension on your record, it is highly
unlikely that you will never work as a teacher again. You
never know with the "teacher shortage" but you would be the
bottom of the barrel looking at the bottom of the barrel
districts. Your name would be mud, for all to see,
forever.

That said, you can ask them to release you from your
contract. If they agree, they can't suspend your license.
The difference is that you make it clear that you are
willing to stay, but you want to leave if they'll let you.
If you like, you can be as blunt as you like, telling them
you think they're incompetent in the way they run you're
school. You're not getting a reference anyway...

Posts on this thread, including this one